Dundonald Rec Tennis Club (DRTC) has been selected by the Lawn Tennis Association to run trial tournaments that could change the face of tennis in Britain. FAST4 TENNIS is a dynamic, fast and exiting way of playing tennis presently promoted and supported by tennis champions, including Roger Federer.

On Sunday 13th September a County level tournament using the “new format” was organised and hosted by DRTC at Dundonald Rec and other local parks.

Josef Southcombe, winner of the tournament, and number 77 in the National rankings (under 16) said:

The new format is something that everyone should try, it’s good for focus, concentration and fighting for each point.

Nathan Richelle, runner-up said:

Fast4 is a very good format as it’s quick and exciting.

Right: Josef Southcombe (winner) left: Nathan Richelle (runner up)

The event at Dundonald TC lasted 6 hours during which 21 matches where played, with 16 of the players coming from all over the country to try the new tennis format. For a few hours Dundonald Rec was the centre of the future of British tennis.

Anton Chateau, trustee of DRTC said.

DRTC has always been very keen to support new ways of promoting tennis. Our Olympic Legacy programme introduced hundreds of children to tennis. I’m confident that FAST4 will change the face of British tennis and make our game even more accessible to a wide range of people.

The official referee of the tournament was Ernesto Pinto, an LTA official referee with experience in both local and National events. Dr Pinto is also the Chairman of DRTC.

Best Surrey's 8&U tennis players played at Dundonald Rec Tennis Club on Saturday 23 May

Dundonald Recreation Ground hosted its first junior LTA’s (Lawn Tennis Association) official tournament on Saturday 23rd May. In an atmosphere of great anticipation, 22 children from all around Surrey arrived at the Rec’s tennis courts to take part in the competition.

For the host, Dundonald Rec Tennis Club (DRTC), it was an opportunity to introduce some talented local players to Surrey’s top competitive arena, whilst consolidating the club’s reputation as a key promoter of junior tennis in the Wimbledon area.

DRTC’s Olympic Legacy and junior programmes are fast becoming a local ‘nursery’ for future junior tennis stars. The charity has great ambitions for tennis locally both now and in the future.

Dr Ernesto Pinto (DRTC Chairman) and tournament organiser said:

“Seeing some of our children who have been through our Olympic Legacy programme, performing so well in a high level competition is a dream come true. It is the aim that I spoke to Roger Federer about when he visited our club: DRTC’s main objective is to improve tennis standards by given children more access to coaching and competitions.”

“DRTC’s volunteers work in adverse circumstances with no support from the local authority and without any public funding, however the encouragement from parents and local residents sustains us.”

Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon, who has been a keen supporter of DRTC’s charitable work, said:

"I'm glad to learn Dundonald Rec Tennis Club's 'Olympic Legacy’ programme is producing its first competitive players. Local competitions like this are essential for the future of British tennis."

The tournament was a total success; two children attending DRTC’s programmes reached the semi-final stages, Daniel Shand and Sophie Kalckstein. This is a terrific result for local players and supporters of British tennis.

The winners of the competition were Frankie Morton and Isabella Molinari, two young players with bright futures ahead of them in tennis.

The 2015 Wimbledon Championships will soon be upon us. To celebrate this (and as part of the Great British Weekend promoted by the LTA) DRTC is offering a free pass for junior and adult players into its coaching sessions on Saturday 13 June. For more information contact info@dundonaldrectennisclun.org

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Dundonald Rec Tennis Club (DRTC) are sponsoring free coached tennis sessions for families in Dundonald Rec. Following the huge success of the ‘Great British Tennis Weekends’ and the ‘Olympic Legacy’ programme which provides free after school sessions for children, the number of people playing tennis in the area has dramatically increased. The LTA and DRTC want to build upon this success to ensure people continue their involvement in the sport and yet more people take-up tennis. Dr Ernesto Pinto, chair of DRTC said,

“We are thrilled that the LTA has selected our club to deliver these sessions, we have great expectations for tennis in the Rec.” “Our dream would be, by the introduction of children to tennis at a young age, to have, one day in the future, a local Wimbledon Champion!” “Tennis is a great fun way to get the family playing and being active together, whilst learning a new skill.”

During the free ‘family times’ sessions equipment (such as rackets, mini-nets, balls etc.) will be available for use free of charge. A professional tennis coach will also be on-hand to give tips and encouragement. The first of the set of six sessions will take place on Sunday 20th July at 12.00 in the morning and last for an hour. To book a place on a session please e-mail - info@protectdundonaldrec.co.uk/protectdundonaldrec.co.uk

Thu, July 10 2014 » Tennis for Free » Comments Off on FAMILY TENNIS TIME – free coaching at DUNDONALD REC

Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer visited Dundonald Rec Tennis Club (DRTC) on Thursday 27th June, during one of its free after school sessions days that the Club provides for the local community. Mr Federer praised the Olympic Legacy Programme which offers free tennis coaching to local children.

Dr Ernesto Pinto (Chair of DRTC) said:

“It is a great honour to receive a visit from such an inspirational figure - the members were so excited about it! He was pleased that this local initiative of getting young people involved in sport, particularly tennis, is so popular both in Dundonald Rec and at local schools through the club’s out-reach programme.”

“We discussed the importance of getting people involved in sport from a young age and I explained how DRTC is planning to achieve this”.

“We invited Mr Federer to return to the DRTC when he’s next in Wimbledon to see the growth of tennis in our community”.

The All England Tennis Club donated equipment which the DRTC is most appreciative of.

The Olympic Legacy Programme was launched last week by the Mayor of Merton, the initiative has the support of local Gold Medallist Olympian, Sophie Hosking MBE. The Olympic Legacy Programme has already benefited more than 300 children from the Trinity Primary School who last week received free coaching over two days.

Saturday 22 June, the Olympic Legacy Programme that will benefit hundreds of local children was officially launched by Her Worship the Mayor of Merton. MP for Wimbledon, Mr Stephen Hammond, also paid the club a visit. Mr Hammond, during his short speech, recalled the London Olympics and how he welcomed such initiatives that kept the feelings engendered by the London Games alive.

The local Olympic Gold Medalist, Sophie Hosking MBE, who couldn't be at the event yesterday, sent a message of support read out by Mr Hammond.

This event was the result of much hard work by club members and members of the local community, including a local church and business.

Dr Ernesto Pinto, Chair of the club said:

"It's wonderful to see the response our Olympic Legacy Programme is receiving from the local community."

The Olympic Legacy Programme is presently offering free after school sessions for children from four to 14, it will soon be expanded to juniors and young adults.